Fungal diseases in mushrooms

Find out about the three main fungal diseases that have a severe effect on mushroom crops. Learn about the symptoms and the control measures you can use to help control Dry Bubble, Wet Bubble and Cobweb disease.

Originally authored by Nancy Pyck and Helen Grogan.

There are many types of fungal disease in mushrooms, but there are three main kinds that cause the most damage to crops. These are Dry Bubble (Verticillium, new name: Lecanicillium), Wet Bubble (Mycogone) and Cobweb (Dactylium, new name: Cladobotryum).

This section shows you how to spot the symptoms of these three diseases, and presents findings on how to prevent and control outbreaks.

The signs of Dry Bubble Disease can vary, depending on when in the development cycle the crop becomes infected. Read more to find out what the symptoms look like, how the disease spreads and how to manage it.

Wet Bubble shares some symptoms with Dry Bubble, but there are differences to look out for. See a full list of symptoms, learn how infection spreads and how to manage crops in the event of an outbreak.

It’s important to get on top of outbreaks of Cobweb disease early to stop it getting out of control. Check you know the symptoms, how infection spreads and how to manage infected crops.

Outbreaks of fungal diseases can severely damage mushroom crops if you don’t react appropriately. See recommendations for growers on preventing disease, regular monitoring, best hygiene practices and end of crop routines.

Images are courtesy and copyright of INAGRO and Teagasc.